Crispy Chips Made Simple In The Air Fryer

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When it comes to delicious snacks, few things can beat a plate of perfectly crispy and tasty chips.

While traditional chips are deep-fried, there’s a healthier and more convenient way to enjoy them using an air fryer!

They offer a guilt-free alternative to deep frying, producing chips that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

french fries

Choosing the Right Potatoes

The foundation of great chips starts with choosing the right potatoes.

While various potato varieties can be used, certain types are better suited for chips.

Russet potatoes are a popular choice, thanks to their high starch content, which gives the chips a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior.

Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent option, providing a buttery flavour and a creamy texture.

Whichever variety you choose, opt for potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free of sprouts or blemishes.

Preparing the Potatoes

Begin by washing them thoroughly under cold water.

Peel the potatoes if desired, although leaving the skin on can add extra fibre and nutrients.

peeling potatoes

Once peeled, cut the potatoes into even-sized chips, approximately 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick.

Aim for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking.

You can use a knife or invest in a chip cutter to speed up the process. I have a chip cutter and it saves so much time.

Do I Need To Soak The Potatoes For Air Fryer Chips?

Soaking the potatoes before cooking is an essential step to achieve a good result.

Soaking helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier chips.

Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes.

This will also prevent them from sticking together during cooking.

Drying the Potatoes

After soaking, it’s important to thoroughly dry the potatoes before cooking.

Excess moisture can hinder the crisping process, so use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat the potatoes dry.

Ensure that they are completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Seasoning The Chips

One of the best things about air fryer chips is the ability to season them to your liking.

While simple salt and pepper can go a long way, don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings.

You can add a variety of spices like garlic powder, paprika, chilli powder, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

Spray the chips with your cooking oil of choice. This will help the seasoning to stick.

Toss them with your chosen seasonings in a bowl, ensuring that each chip is evenly coated.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before cooking the chips, preheat your air fryer.

Preheating ensures that they cook evenly and achieve that desired crispiness.

Preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes at 200C / 400F should be fine.

How To Air Fry Chips

Place the seasoned chips in the basket, making sure they are in a single layer for even cooking.

Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can result in unevenly cooked chips.

Air Fryer Chips Cooking Time

Air fry for approximately 15-20 minutes at 200C / 400F shaking the basket or gently flipping the chips halfway through.

The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chips and the efficiency of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Achieving Extra Crispy Chips

If you’re looking to take your chips to the next level of crispiness, there are a couple of techniques you can use.

One method involves lightly coating the seasoned chips with cornflour before air frying.

The cornflour forms a thin layer on the outside, resulting in an extra crunch when cooked.

Air Fryer Double Cooked Chips

Alternatively, you can try double-frying or even triple-frying your chips.

Cook them at a lower temperature, around 160C / 325F, to start, and then increase the temperature to 200C / 400F for a final crisp.

Both techniques require some experimentation to find the perfect balance of texture and flavour.

Crispy fries

How To Air Fry Frozen Chips

  1. Preheat your air fryer: Set the temperature to 200C / 400F.
  2. Prepare the chips: Remove the frozen chips from their packaging and spread them out in a single layer. You can brush them lightly with oil or cooking spray for extra crispiness, but it’s optional.
  3. Place chips in the air fryer: Place the chips in the basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook the chips in multiple batches if your air fryer has limited capacity.
  4. Air fry the chips: Close the air fryer and set the cooking time. The suggested cooking time for frozen chips is usually between 15 to 20 minutes at 200C / 400F, depending on the thickness and desired crispiness. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking.
  5. Check for doneness: After the cooking time is up, open the air fryer and check the chips. They should be golden brown and crispy. If they need more time, you can continue cooking in 2-3 minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
  6. Season and serve: Once the chips are cooked to your liking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving bowl. Season with salt or any other desired seasonings while they are still hot. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use olive oil or other oils besides vegetable oil for air fryer chips?

While vegetable oil is commonly used, you can substitute it with other oils like olive oil, avocado oil, or even coconut oil.

Why do I need to shake the chips during cooking?

Shaking during the cooking process is essential to ensure even browning and prevent them from sticking together. It helps distribute the heat evenly and produces a crispy texture on all sides of the chips.

Can I reheat leftover air fryer chips?

You can reheat leftover chips.

Preheat the air fryer to around 180C / 360F, place the chips in a single layer, and reheat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Note: reheated chips may not be as crispy as freshly cooked ones.

Can I make air fryer chips without peeling the potatoes?

You can make air fryer chips without peeling the potatoes. Leaving the skin on adds extra fibre and nutrients. Just make sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly first.

How can I prevent my air fryer chips from turning out soggy?

To prevent soggy chips, make sure to dry the cut potatoes thoroughly after soaking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can prevent proper air circulation and lead to uneven cooking.

Finally, follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures for your specific air fryer model.

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